Previously linked with a summer move to Scottish giants Rangers, earlier this week Sunderland owner Stewart Donald also revealed he had made a 'cheeky' attempt in the summer to bring Defoe back to the Stadium of Light.

Donald told BBC Radio Newcastle: "I asked in the summer if we could and the answer came we couldn’t.

"We might ask again but it was a pretty strong no. It was a cheeky request though!

"I was wondering if they might contribute to his wages."

The 36-year-old scored 34 goals in 87 league appearances for Sunderland before joining AFC Bournemouth.

Defoe's manager at Bournemouth was asked about the striker's future at his pre-match press conference - and Howe insists Defoe remains an important player for the south coast side.